Around the Region

LWV marks 90th anniversary of women’s right to vote

August 28, 2010

The United States adopted the 19th Amendment to the Constitution 90 years ago on Aug. 26, giving women the right to vote.
League of Women Voters of Warren County President Phyllis Wright said the amendment has led to more equality. Women’s voices have been able to encourage other citizens to get involved in their government, she said.
The amendment states: “The right of the citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”
In 2012, Wright said the county League of Women Voters will have its 50th anniversary. That makes it one of the early leagues of people who wanted to extend the amendment, she said.
Political campaigns look different since the amendment’s passage, Wright said, as politicians now look into concerns and issues women have. That remains true today, she said, with the health care debate and financial crisis.
“Women go to work and income is a very important part of economics,” Wright said. “In the future, politicians will continue to note the importance of families and women’s ability to provide not only income but input into important issues affecting our lives.”
Around the world, Wright said several countries have not given women the right to vote until the past few decades. On the other hand, she said the United States has been far ahead in seeing women as an important part of the citizenry.
Even without the right to vote, Wright said women would still voice their opinions in some way. This may include influencing male voters, she said, as well as marching and writing letters as they did during the 1920s.
During its upcoming anniversary, Wright said the league plans to celebrate the work members have done. The league provides an avenue to study issues, she said, and remains open to men and women.
With around 30 members, Wright said members perform studies. The latest looked at the Marcellus Shale, she said, and the economic impact of its development.
Members plan further local education, Wright said, and conduct various study groups to inform the citizenry. The league also holds forums for the public to hear candidates, she said.

Article Photos

Times Observer photo by Colin KylerDisplayAn exhibit at Warren Public Library celebrates the founding of the League of Women Voters, which took place the same year the United States adopted 19th Amendment.